By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The girls volleyball teams at Natick High are successful so often but sooner or later there comes a time when the R-word is used to describe a particular season.

 

Peter Suxho, the Redhawks veteran coach, has called the 2024 campaign “the first year of rebuilding.’’ There’s that R-word. 

But he also says that his young squad can win enough matches to qualify for a berth in the state tourney. But, he’s also acutely aware that the girls’ skills need to keep improving along with the Redhawks’ team chemistry. 

There’s only one senior on the roster — setter Eva Sotiri — and luckily for Suxho she’s a captain who welcomes the challenges and difficulties that rebuilding presents. The Redhawks had a 5-6 record at Local Town Pages deadline, still rebuilding but still very hopeful of securing a date for playoff volleyball. Their No. 15 power ranking is definitely a plus for a team in rebuild mode.

Seven seniors have graduated from last year’s team that lost in the tourney’s second round to Andover. 

“I enjoy working with younger kids,’’ Sotiri said. “Sure, it’s a challenge but I’ve seen improvement every day. The environment is different when a team loses seven seniors. But, I’ve got the opportunity to offer tips and hints to help our younger players develop. I also like working with coach Suxho on our team’s daily preparation.’’

Like Suxho, the 17-year-old Sotiri believes NHS can quality for the tourney and be competitive in the Bay State Conference’s Carey Division. “My individual goals are to be the best captain I can be, inspire my teammates and improve my play at setter when I’m in the front row. I can jump, so I strive got get some kills.’’

At the newspaper’s deadline, Sotiri had 49 kills, 18 aces, and 119 assists. 

No stranger to volleyball, Sotiri started playing the sport as a 12-year-old and has competed at the club level for four years. She’s been Natick’s starting setter for two seasons.

“I like the role of a setter,’’ she said. “It’s like being a quarterback in football. You control and direct the offense and set the tone for attacking. It’s a leadership role and the keys are to stay cool under pressure, be instinctive, quick and agile, and maintain confidence.’’

A native of New York City, Sotiri relies on being aggressive in the front row but more analytical when she’s in the back row. “A setter’s strong suit should be smart decision-making in the back row,’’ she emphasized.

Suxho, who’s led Natick to a state title with the boys team in 2007 and won two other state championships when he coached at Millis High, rates Sotiri highly.

“Eva has a high volleyball IQ, she’s got speed and quickness and her technical skills are excellent,’’ he said. “She delivers the ball effectively to the front row and makes smart decisions. She’s also a very good student.’’

Sotiri, who also has played libero and right-side hitter, is a captain who leads by example. “I strive to provide lots of effort and set the tone with a solid work ethic,’’ she said. “Being a supportive captain is important, too.’’

Natick’s two other captains — junior libero Scarlett Jones and sophomore middle hitter Brooke Barnett — are players Sotiri regards as high-end contributors.

“They’re very good leaders who make a difference on the court,’’ she noted. “They play their positions well, they’re skilled, have a high volleyball IQ and they’re ready to react.’’

The 5-foot-5 Sotiri also likes the way Suxho directs the squad. “He’s very knowledgeable and loves to teach the game,’’ she said. “He’s very motivating and he does a good job keeping us on our toes.’’

A National Honor Society student, Sotiri plans on majoring in bio-chemistry in college, possibly at Northeastern or Boston University. “I likely will play volleyball at the club level in college,’’ she said.

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Sotiri emphasizes that she’s “motivated to do my best to win.’’ 

Calling her parents (Daniela and Arian) role models for their support and encouragement, Sotiri also credits her parents for her strong work ethic and dedication. 

Valuable life lessons can be learned from sports and Sotiri is quick to list some. “I’ve learned to overcome adversity and be resilient,’’ she offered. “I’ve also learned how to lead and to be confident. Being accountable is also very important, especially when fixing your mistakes.’’  

Suxho says that “since Sotiri is a left-handed setter who plays on the right side, she’s able to benefit from that combination. Sotiri fully agrees.

“When I’m on the right side, I see the entire court and the ball is always in front of me,’’ she said. “One advantage is my decision-making will be quicker. And, if the ball is close to the net, I can jump and perhaps register an effective hit.’’

Suxho and Sotiri know the Redhawks are a junior-sophomore team that’s gaining experience. And as a captain, Sotiri has the right approach to handle rebuilding because she’s tutored younger students in the past.

“I’ve been a tutor at the Wilson Middle School,’’ she noted. “Last year, I tutored students there once a week for four months. I really enjoyed working with them.’’

Eva Sotiri is not only a capable competitor for Natick’s volleyball team, but she’s also a crucial cog who’s helping the Redhawks go from a rebuilding team to a capable contingent.

A berth in the state tourney would go a long way in helping Natick to forget the R-word.